Retractable article holder for tables



March 1955 c. J. HENSCHEL RETRACTABLE ARTICLE HOLDER FOR TABLES 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed June 12, 1955 1 v w w| d R n 0 d a a n T K m 8 I\. 5 7 w M w m IHI 6 I K." l|| m b a a S 0 d n 6 C a R lm J l 1 k l 1 n\ 5 IIIIL 6 m Chis ATTD RN EYE March 1, 1955 Q J, N H 2,703,266

RETRACTABLE ARTICLE HOLDER FOR TABLES Filed June 12, 1953 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 f I fVENTOIR firzisfi'amlacabfiemc/iel ATTD RN EYB United States Patent RETRACTABLE ARTICLE HOLDER FOR TABLES Christian .iaeob Henschel, New Castle, Pa.

Application June 12, 1953, Serial N0. 361,247

1 Claim. (Cl. 311-103) This invention relates to a table, and more particularly to a support for attachment to a table whereby accessories such as ash trays, glasses, bottles and the like can be supported in an out-of-the-way position under the table.

The object of the invention is to provide a mechanism for attachment to a table such as a card table whereby glasses, ash trays, bottles and the like may be supported so that the accessories can be slid from beneath the table when needed, and wherein the accessories can be shoved beneath the table to an out-of-the-way position when not being used.

Another object of the invention is to provide a retractable glass or bottle holder and ash tray which can be pushed out-of-theway under the table when not in use, or removed from beneath the table when it is to be used, the present invention adapted to accommodate glasses or bottles of different sizes, and wherein spilling of the contents will be prevented.

Other objects and advantages will be apparent during the course of the following description.

In the accompanying drawings, forming a part of this application, and in which like numerals are used to designate like parts throughout the same:

Figure l is a side elevational view showing the support of the present invention attached to a table, and with parts broken away and in section.

Figure 2 is a top plan view showing one of the supports attached to the table and with the support in extended position, parts of the table top being broken away.

Figure 3 is an enlarged vertical sectional view taken through the table showing the support attached thereto.

Figure 4 is a sectional view taken on the line 4-4 of Figure 3.

Figure 5 is a sectional view taken on the line 5-5 of Figure 3.

Figure 6 is a sectional view taken on the line 6-6 of Figure 4.

Figure 7 is a bottom plan view of a modified table wherein cross braces are arranged below the top member.

Figure 8 is a sectional View taken on the line 8--8 of Figure 7.

Figure 9 is an end view of a modified receptacle showing an adapter therein for accommodating glasses of different sizes.

Figure 10 is a sectional view taken on the line 10-10 of Figure 9.

Figure ll is a plan view of a modification wherein a plurality of receptacles are provided.

Figure 12 is a sectional view taken on the line 12-12 of Figure 11.

Figure 13 is a fragmentary sectional view showing a further modification wherein a single receptacle is slidably mounted beneath the table.

Figure 14 is a sectional view taken on the line 1414 of Figure 13.

Referring in detail to the drawings, the numeral 20 designates a table which may be a card table or the like, and the table 20 includes a top member 21 and a plurality of supporting legs 22, Figure l. The present invention is directed to a means for supporting accessories such as glasses, bottles, or cigarettes and the like whereby these items can be readily moved to an out-of-the-way position beneath the table top 21 when they are not being used, and wherein these items can be readily extended to a position from beneath the table top when they are to be used.

Each of the accessory supporting devices is indicated generally by the numeral 23, Figure 4, and each of the devices 23 includes a plate 24 which may be secured to the undersurface of the table top 20 by suitable secur' ing elements, as for example screws 19 when the table top is made of wood. However, since most card table tops are made of a material called fiberboard, which is pressed paper or a composition and where the employment of screws cannot be used, a good grade of cement such as Duco is used for securing these parts together, and such cement may be used where the table top is made of any material that will not permit the use of screws. A block 26 is arranged contiguous to the lower surface of the plate 24, and suitable screws 25 serve to secure the block 26 to the plate 24. A strip 29 is arranged contiguous to the lower surface of the block 26, and the strip 29 may be secured to the block 26 by suitable screws 28, Figure 4. A channel member 27 slidably engages the stationary strip 29 and stationary block 26, and the channel member 27 includes a pair of inwardly extending opposed lugs 30 which slidably ride or move in opposed slots 31 in the block 26.

Secured to the channel member 27 in any suitable manner, as for example by welding, is a body member 32 which has an L-shape, Figure 3. The body member 32 includes a horizontally disposed arm 33 which may be secured to the undersurface of the channel member 27 so that as the channel member 27 slides back and forth the support member 32 will likewise move therewith. The L-shaped support member 32 further includes a vertically disposed leg 18, and a spring member 34 has its upper end connected to the leg 18 by a suitable securing element such as a rivet 35. There is further provided an L-shaped support member 36 which includes a vertically disposed bar 37 that is interposed between the spring member 34 and the leg 18. Extending from the lower end of the bar 37 is an arm or rod 38 for a purpose to be later described.

A means is provided for permitting vertical adjustment or up and down shifting of the support member 36, and this means comprises a pin 39 that is carried by the lower end of the spring member 34. The bar 37 is provided with a pair of holes or apertures 40 and 41, and the pin 39 may be arranged in registry with or engagement with either of the openings 40 or 41 so as to maintain the support member 36 immobile in its adjusted position. As shown in Figure 3 the pin 39 is in engagement with the opening 41 in the bar 37 so that the support member 36 is supported in its upper or solid line position. However, by retracting the pin 39 from the opening 41 and then lowering the support member 36, the pin 39 can be extended through the other opening 40 so that the support member 36 can be supported in the position shown by dotted lines in Figure 3.

Secured to the outer end of the arm 38 by suitable bolt and nut assemblies 17, is a plurality of receptacles 42 and 43. The receptacle 42 may be used for supporting a suitable glass or bottle such as a glass or bottle containing a beverage therein. The other receptacle 43 may be provided with a non-inflammable liner 45 whereby the receptacle 43 can be used as an ash tray or ash receiver. A lid 46 may be detachably mounted on the upper end of the receptacle 43, and the lid may be provided with a central opening 47 whereby ashes can be emptied into the receptacle 43. The lid 46 may further be provided with a plurality of radially extending grooves or recesses 46' which can be used for supporting burning cigarettes therein.

A means is provided for limiting sliding or shifting 3 movement of the channel member 27 on the strip 29,

and this means comprises a stop member 48, Figure 3, which is adapted to be abutted by or engaged by the inner end of the channel member 27 to limit inward movement of the device. For limiting outward movement of the channel 27, a bracket 49 is secured to the block 26 by suitable screws 50, and a pin 51 pivotally connects a pawl to the bracket 49. The pawl 52 is adapted to be engaged by a finger 53 which extends from the channel member 27 to limit outward sliding movement of the channel member.

As shown in Figure 5, the pawl 52 may be pivoted to permit the channel member 27 to be entirely removed from the strip 29. The burning cigarette being supported by one of the grooves 46 is indicated by the numeral 54, in Figure 1, and a tumbler or glass being supported in the receptacle 42 is indicated by the numeral 55.

Referring to Figures 7 and 8 there is shown a modified form of the invention for use with a table 56 that has diagonal braces 58 below the table top 57. in this form of the invention a bracket 59 may be secured to the table top 57, and the bracket 59 may be shaped to provide sufficient clearance for the braces 58. The bracket 59 can of course have different sizes or shapes to accommodate different sizes of braces and the block 60, strip 61, and channel member 62 serve the same purpose as the previously described parts in connection with Figures 1-5.. Thus, the body member and support member can be attached to the sliding channel member 62 so that glasses, cigarettes and the like can be readily supported by receptacles connected thereto.

Referring to Figures 9 and of the drawing there is shown a modified receptacle which is indicated by the numeral 63 and this receptacle includes a special adapter to permit tumblers or glasses of smaller size to be supported therein. The receptacle 63 includes an outer shell or casing 64, and positioned within the shell 64 is a liner 65 which is provided with a plurality of slots or recesses 66. There is further provided in this form of the invention an adapter 67 which includes tongues 68 that are adapted to snugly seat in the slots 66 to maintain the adapter 67 immobile within the receptacle. Secured to the adapter or formed integral therewith is an annular collar or sleeve 69 whereby a glass can be readily supported therein.

Referring to Figures 11 and 12 there is shown another modified receptacle arrangement wherein three containers or receptacles 70, 71 and 72 are provided. The receptacles 70 and 71 may be used for supporting glasses or bottles of beverage and the like, and the receptacle 72 may provide an ash container or ash tray. The receptacle 72 includes the lid 75 which is provided with grooves 73 for supporting cigarettes, and a central opening 74 may be provided in the lid 75. A means is provided for connecting the receptacle 72 to the pair of receptacles 70 and 71, and this means is shown in detail in Figure 12. Thus, an L-shaped bracket 76 may be secured to each of the receptacles 70 and 71 by suitable securing elements such as rivets 77, and the bracket 76 may be provided with a slot 78 for receiving a tongue 79 that extends from the side wall of the receptacle 72. This arrangement permits the receptacle 72 to be moved when it is not being used.

From the foregoing it is apparent that an article supporting mechanism has been provided which can be readily extended from the table when it is to be used, and wherein it can be readily adjusted to be wholly concealed beneath the top of the table when it is not being used. In Figure 11 the receptacle 70 and the receptacle 71 can be used for supporting glasses or bottles, or when these receptacles are not being used for supporting glasses or bottles they can be provided with a suitable cover so that they can be used as an ash tray. Also the ash tray 72 can be detached when it is not being used. The present invention can be used for tables whether they be made of wood, metal or other material and by means of the present invention it will not be necessary to support drinking glasses, ash trays and the like on the table while cards are being played or wherein the table is being aged for other purposes. Thus, spilling of glasses will avoided and damage to clothing and rugs which occur due to spilled glasses and bottles will be eliminated. When drinks are being served it is only necessary to reach under the table and pull the channel member or receptacles forwardly whereby the receptacles will 7 move to a position to accommodate the glasses and bottles or cigarettes. Coasters which may be made of any suitable material such as rubber or other absorbent material can be positioned within the receptacles to help hold the glasses and bottles firmly in place. The liner for the ash t-raymay be made of a non-inflammable material such as tin. Plastic can be used in making certain of the parts. Furthermore, certain of the receptacles can be used for supporting canned beverages. it is to be understood that a plurality of the supports can be provided for a single table. The present invention can be used on folding card tables or non-folding tables and the tables will be kept free of glasses and ash trays so that the table can be readily used for card playing or other purposes. When the glasses, bottles or ash trays are not being used, they can be readily pushed beneath the table top 21. When the table is not being used, the channel member 27 and the parts connected thereto can be readily detached or removed so that the table can be readily folded.

The adapter shown in Figures 9 and 10': permits glasses of different width or size to be held therein so that spilling of the contents will be prevented while the device is being extended or pushed back under the table. A spacer member 10 may be secured in place by the rivet 35.

Referring to Figures 13 and 14 of the drawings there is shown still another modified form of the invention wherein a body member 9 may be secured to the undersurface of the table top 21 in any suitable manner. The body member 9 is provided with a T-shaped slot 8, and a bar 6 has a fiat portion 7 slidably mounted in the slot 8. A single receptacle 5 may be secured to the lower end of the bar 6. The receptacle 5 may be a combination glass holder and ash tray and can be made of any suitable material such as plastic.

Generally, plastic can be used in the present invention to replace steel and wood wherever possible in order to reduce the cost of manufacture, and also to reduce the weight of the parts. Further, if the parts are made of wood or metal, adverse weather conditions such as cold or dampness might adversely effect the parts as for example if the card tables were left in an unheated room so that by making the parts of plastic this difficulty would be overcome. However, by making as many of the parts as possible of plastic, the cost of manufacture would be kept to a minimum.

I claim:

In combination, a table including a top member having a plurality of supporting legs, supporting devices each including a plate secured to the undersurface of said top member, a block arranged contiguous to the lower surface of said plate and secured thereto, a strip contiguous to the lower surface of said block and secured thereto, a channel member slidably engaging said strip and block and including a pair of inwardly extending opposed lugs, there being opposed slots in said block for slidably receiving said lugs, a body member of L-shape including a horizontally disposed arm secured to said channel member and a vertically disposed leg, a spring member having its upper end connected to said leg, an L-shaped support member including a vertically disposed bar interposed between said spring member and leg, a rod extending from the lower end of said bar, a pin carried by the lower end of said spring member, said bar being provided with a plurality of apertures for selectively receiving said pin, a plurality of receptacles secured to the outer end of said rod, a stop member adapted to be abutted by the inner end of said channel. member to limit inward movement of the channel mem her, a bracket secured to said block. a pawl pivotally connected to said bracket, and a finger extending from said channel member for engaging said pawl to limit outward sliding movement of the channel member.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 593,943 Rayman June 8, 1897 1,221,646 Zimmerman, Jr. Apr. 3, 1917 1,277,442 MeCann Sept. 3, 1918 2,061,143 Mart Nov. 17, 1936 

